News & Articles

Every year on the 5th of June, the world pauses to mark World Environment Day, the United Nations' largest global platform for environmental awareness and action. This year’s theme, Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future., reminds us that environmental action does not only belong in policy rooms or at international summits. Inspiration begins right we are: in our homes, our gardens, our schools, our communities and our shared wild places.

The Swellendam Bewarea Conservancy (SBC) Wildlife Rescue Fund exists to support the emergency care and short-term welfare of indigenous wildlife within the SBC boundary, through financial assistance provided strictly within available means to veterinarians and rehabilitation centres who are members of the SBC. Hero photo: (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Small acts of kindness can significantly impact local wildlife. More than 100 Knysna dwarf chameleons were rescued from fallen trees and debris, then released back into the wild in Swellendam. Photos: Swellendam - Knysna Dwarf Chameleon - Photographer: Dirk Uys

During spring and summer, the Cape Sugarbirds are aplenty in our region as they are mostly found in the mountain fynbos, mostly amongst the proteas. We are fortunate, being so close to the mountain that we often find them as visitors in our gardens. (c) Colin Ralston – some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

Local biodiversity is quietly declining around Swellendam, from sunbirds to Grey Rhebok. Why this loss of indigenous variety matters in daily life. Hero photo: Aloe ferox — Suvarna Parbhoo Mohan (cc-by-sa), via iNaturalist.

Conservation in Swellendam depends on community support. How members and donors sustain the SBC's wildlife, restoration and education projects. Hero photo: Fynbos — S Molteno (Public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.

From riverbanks to fynbos, Swellendam is home to a remarkable range of wildlife, each species telling part of a bigger story.

The SBC's self-guided Swellendam Tree Route invites residents and visitors to explore the town's indigenous trees on foot and log observations using iNaturalist. Hero photo: Wild peach (Kiggelaria africana) — agujaceratops (cc-by), via iNaturalist.

How autumn and winter reshape Swellendam's landscape, as Western Cape cold fronts bring rain that replenishes catchments and restores river life. Hero photo: Breede River — Socrates2008 (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.